Wednesday, September 3, 2008
10:59 AM on Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Uppgaard: Lyme disease is an epidemic
Lyme disease, carried by deer ticks, is an epidemic that affects an estimated one-third of our population. Without proper treatment, chronic Lyme disease can result. Late stage symptoms, can include seizures, strokes or symptoms that mimic Guillain Barr, MS, ALS, Fibromyalgia symdrome (FMS), Alzheimers or Parkinson syndromes. Two weeks of antibiotics generally is not enough. You might feel better, but it doesn't mean the bacteria have been eradicated.
At the recent Lyme Advocacy meeting, we learned that dogs get diagnosed and treated quickly, but it can take years for humans to receive the same tests and treatment. We learned from a local veterinarian that he gives a blood test in his office, medication is supplied, and dogs begin to respond positively within a day. Several local chronic Lyme disease sufferers reported that after years of suffering, they finally found a specialist who diagnoses and treats tick-related diseases. Why is the epidemic a best-kept secret?
For more information, go to www.lymefighters.org.
Dr. Bob Uppgaard,
Pequot Lakes
